麻豆AV

Despite being the smallest of the 50 states, Rhode Island offers a mix of historic and cultural experiences that rival destinations in Europe. Settled in the early 1600s and the last of the Thirteen Colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1790, the early influences of Europe鈥檚 colonial powers, especially Britain, are very evident across the state. Yet, while they might not claim the same level of fame, Rhode Island鈥檚 most charming small towns are as fun to visit as any small town 鈥渁cross the pond.鈥� Read on to find out more about these wonderful Rhode Island 鈥渄upes鈥� that rival Europe鈥檚 best.

Newport

Established in 1639 by a group of English settlers, Newport boasts a remarkable amount of history and culture. Some of the state鈥檚 oldest buildings can be found here, including the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site (completed in 1763) and the Redwood Library and Athenaeum (opened in 1747). You鈥檒l also want to visit The Breakers, a spectacular summer home constructed between 1893 and 1895 for the Vanderbilt family. The rival of any country estate in Europe, this Gilded Age marvel features 70 rooms filled with European-inspired details, from elaborate frescoes to ornate marble columns.

Newport鈥檚 historic streets, many of them paved with original 18th-century cobblestones, are fun to walk. So, too, is the Cliff Walk, a National Recreation Trail that traces the shoreline with views reminiscent of those of the French Riviera. Time your visit for the Newport Folk Festival in July or the Newport Jazz Festival in August, both dating back to the mid-20th century. Interested in maritime history? The Museum of Newport History, housed in the 1762 Brick Market building, details the city鈥檚 evolution into an important New England port.

Westerly

Westerly, formally incorporated in 1669, is another Rhode Island locale that could easily be mistaken for a centuries-old European town. Watch Hill Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1808 and later rebuilt in 1856, remains an iconic part of the shoreline. You鈥檒l also want to visit Babcock-Smith House, built in 1734 and offering tours detailing the town鈥檚 roots in the shipbuilding and granite industries. Westerly鈥檚 Historic Downtown District includes the Westerly Armory, constructed in 1901 and home to an interesting military museum.

The vibe here is definitely that of a small European village, particularly during events like the Virtu Art Festival held each May. This two-day celebration brings together painters, sculptors, and artisans from across New England to showcase (and sell) their work. Local businesses like the family-owned Hauser Chocolatier on Granite Street and Gray Sail Brewing, are also worth checking out. Wilcox Park, established in 1898, is another spot with a European flare thanks to its memorial statues and Victorian-era gardens.

Bristol

Bristol can trace its roots back to 1680, when it was established under a land grant from King Charles II, making it among the oldest continuous settlements in Rhode Island. Famous for hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July parade in the United States (it was first held in 1785), tourist attractions here include Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, originally constructed in 1895 and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1906. Today, it鈥檚 a museum featuring an elegant Edwardian interior and a beautiful garden that rivals any found in Europe.

Bristol鈥檚 waterfront has a definite Mediterranean vibe with its marinas filled with sailing yachts and small fishing boats. Take a leisurely walk to Independence Park, created in the early 19th century and a venue for concerts during the summer months. The town鈥檚 historical significance is also evident at Linden Place, Built in 1810, you can tour the estate鈥檚 Federal-style architecture and learn about its storied past. For festivalgoers, the Bristol Oyster Fest each September features fresh seafood, cooking demonstrations, and live music.

Warren

Established in 1747 along the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay, Warren is among the smallest municipalities in Rhode Island and wouldn鈥檛 look out of place in Europe. Highlights include The Maxwell House, completed in 1756 in traditional Flemish style and now a museum recounting the town鈥檚 involvement in colonial commerce. Examples of 18th-century architecture also line Water Street, many of them survivors of the British attack of 1778 during the Revolutionary War.

Shoppers will enjoy a stroll along Main Street where specialty shops like the Made in Warren Artist Cooperative offer locally crafted goods and souvenirs. Also check out the Imago Foundation for the Arts with its exhibits of regional works. Foodies should plan a trip to coincide with the Warren Quahog Festival in July, a fun community event featuring the region鈥檚 clam food traditions.

East Greenwich

Founded in 1677, East Greenwich quickly developed into a busy port and civic center, a fact still visible in the many colonial and Federal-era homes found along its main thoroughfares. One of the best is the Varnum House, constructed in 1773 and a superb example of Georgian architecture. Once the home of General James Mitchell, a hero of the Revolutionary War, it鈥檚 now a museum featuring fascinating exhibits relating to the social and political climate during the colonial period. The Greenwich Odeum is also worth a visit. Opened in 1926 as a vaudeville theater, it has since been restored and hosts film screenings and performances.

The summertime Main Street Stroll is a great time to visit, with patio dining and late-night shopping adding a distinctly European flavor. Waterfront dining near Greenwich Cove is another highlight, with eateries like Finn鈥檚 Harborside serving fresh seafood caught just offshore.

Narragansett

While Narragansett was only incorporated in 1901, its roots go way back to the early colonial settlements of the mid-1600s. One of the most photographed sites here is The Towers, an impressive stone archway built in 1885 that once formed part of the Narragansett Pier Casino complex. Nearby Point Judith Lighthouse, completed in 1857, continues to guide shipping and also makes for a great photo opp. Take a walk along the seawall, where you can watch commercial fishing vessels pass, giving an atmosphere akin to a small seaside town in Europe.

Narragansett hosts several must-attend events, including its famous Blessing of the Fleet. Held in July, this age-old tradition has been performed around the Mediterranean for centuries and was adopted by Narragansett in the 1900s to wish mariners a safe sailing season. Another crowd-pleaser is the Narragansett Endless Summer Concert Series, held in September and drawing both local and out-of-state bands. To round off your Rhode Island Euro 鈥渄upe鈥� experience, dine al fresco at Iggy鈥檚 at Doughboys & Chowder House, and go for the Rhode Island clam chowder鈥� served up with a side of spectacular ocean views.

The Bottom Line

Rhode Island鈥檚 attractive smaller towns demonstrate that you don鈥檛 need to cross an ocean to find places to visit that are steeped in history and centuries-old traditions. Each of these destinations offers a unique perspective on the state鈥檚 past, highlighted by preserved landmarks and lively events and festivals. We know you鈥檒l agree that these six Rhode Island gems measure up well to their European rivals.